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is an upscale neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It is a tightly-knit, upper middle-class community located on the western half of the Rockaway Peninsula, the southernmost area of the borough. While there are no formal boundaries for the area, Belle Harbor is often used to refer to the area between Beach 126th and Beach 142nd Streets. According to a map from 1909, Belle Harbor is located in the area between Beach 125th (west side) and Beach 141st Streets. The neighborhood is part of Queens Community Board 14.
Belle Harbor was developed in 1907 by Frederick J. Lancaster, who had earlier developed the Edgemere neighborhood. The community still has much of the same character from when it was first established.
Belle Harbor is the site of the fatal 2001 crash of American Airlines Flight 587.
Belle Harbor is a suburban enclave on the Rockaway Peninsula, on a narrow barrier peninsula sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Jamaica Bay to the north. Expansive views of the Manhattan skyline can be seen across the bay. Broad, white sandy beaches on the ocean have drawn residents to the area. The beach is open to the public. Rigorously enforced street parking restrictions in effect on weekends and holidays from May 15 to September 30, combined with limited direct access to the Belle Harbor area via public transportation, limit access for most of those heading to the beach from outside the area.